I Replaced My Own Fitness Coach for Artificial Intelligence – And It's Effective.
Leah Walsh
After a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people head into the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.
However, could AI be transforming the fitness industry by offering an option to personal trainers?
Personalized Plans and Flexible Timelines
Leah Walsh employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the a major running event.
This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she liked the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.
She relied on an AI-driven fitness application that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her first half marathon in 2024.
She explained she asked it to design a regimen merging cardio and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week plan tailored to her event day and goals.
The user then adjusted the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.
Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.
She noted she did not want the pressure from a live instructor.
"Using AI you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she added.
A weightlifter
Significant Fitness Improvements
In a similar case, Another individual, 23, from Swansea, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.
He resorted to a AI assistant for assistance after being forced to walk a running event.
"I realized I need to get myself in shape," he commented.
The free tool constructed a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and established structured routines.
"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.
The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching
One recent survey in late 2024 compared costs for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, based on basic full-access plans.
Fees started at £23 at the cheapest provider to £132 at the highest-priced.
Based on industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about a similar range in London.
Clients typically hire a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, but these arrangements are completely flexible.
A personal trainer
The Essential Human Touch
Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching provides.
This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his trainees also use technology.
"I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he said.
"I believe the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll desire human connection because they want the warmth from the understanding that is absent from a computer," he continued.
Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can inform users and make guidance more effective.
However, he said real commitment comes when people show up physically for their sessions.
"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he added.
In the view of many, he said, the gym is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.
